WC Missouri News

The University of Central Missouri Mules Football team will host No. 18-ranked Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats on Saturday, October 11, at Walton Stadium/Kennedy Field in Warrensburg. The game is scheduled for 1 p.m. and is part of Fan Appreciation Day and 'Burg Fest Weekend. Fans are encouraged to wear black for the Black Out event, and the first 1,000 attendees will receive a free blackout t-shirt. Additionally, the UCM President's Office will award a $500 scholarship to one student.

Central Missouri enters the game with a 3-2 overall record and a 3-0 mark in MIAA play. The Bearcats hold a 4-1 overall record and are also undefeated in conference games. Both teams lead the conference standings as they prepare for this matchup.

"Saturday's contest is Fan Appreciation Day and 'Burg Fest Weekend. The game is also a Black Out, and UCM fans are encouraged to wear black to the game. The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a free black out t-shirt! In addition, the UCM President's Office will give away a $500 scholarship to one lucky student."

The Mules recently secured a narrow 35-34 victory over Central Oklahoma on October 4 in Edmond, Oklahoma. Quarterback Donovyn Omolo led a decisive drive late in the fourth quarter, connecting with Morgan Pearson for a 20-yard touchdown pass that proved to be the game-winner.

Omolo completed 20 of 40 passes for 331 yards and contributed both passing and rushing touchdowns in that game. Wide receiver Hogan Wasson had nine receptions for a career-high 190 yards, including a 72-yard touchdown catch.

"After Central Oklahoma drove down the field and tied the game, 28-28, with 6:36 remaining in the fourth quarter, Omolo led a six-play, 75-yard drive that ended when he found Pearson...on a 20-yard feed in the end zone to put UCM in front..."

Defensively, Michael Harris recorded two sacks while Garrett Hormann had nine tackles and recovered a fumble.

Through five games this season, Central Missouri leads the MIAA in scoring offense (35.6 points per game) and total offense (494.2 yards per game), ranking second nationally among NCAA Division II teams for total offense.

Wide receiver Hogan Wasson ranks second nationally with nine receptions per game and third with an average of 116.2 receiving yards per game. Quarterback Donovyn Omolo is fourth nationally in completions per game (25.8) and fifth in total offense (327.3 yards per game).

The Mules finished last season with a 9-3 record and advanced to postseason play for a second consecutive year by defeating Texas Permian Basin in double overtime at the Heritage Bowl Powered by RIOT.

This year's roster includes 58 new student-athletes—36 freshmen and 22 transfers—as well as seven new coaches joining head coach Josh Lamberson’s staff.

Saturday’s matchup marks the 104th meeting between Central Missouri and Northwest Missouri State since their series began in 1921; Northwest currently leads with a record of 64-37-2 but Central Missouri has won their last two encounters.

Central Missouri has played football every year since its program began in 1895 except during World War I in 1918. This is their 129th season overall and their 93rd at Walton Stadium/Kennedy Field.

Under head coach Josh Lamberson, Central Missouri holds a home record of 15-4.

The Mules have scored in 355 straight games—a record within their conference—and have won or shared 14 MIAA championships throughout their history.

Former Mules players Zach Zebrowski and Arkell Smith currently play professionally with Edmonton Elks in Canada’s CFL; David Olajiga is on an NFL practice squad with New England Patriots; Zach Davidson was drafted by Minnesota Vikings in 2021.

Saturday’s game will be broadcast live on local radio stations including "Your Country" 98.5 The BAR FM and "Good Time Oldies" 1450 KOKO AM as well as streamed online via TheMIAANetwork.com/UCMMULES.

Following this home contest, Central Missouri will travel to Topeka to face Washburn Ichabods on October 18 at Yager Stadium.